Organizers of the Force Protection Equipment Demonstration (FPED) have notified Stafford officials that they plan to return to the Stafford Regional Airport in 2009 for their seventh exhibit, FPED VII.

The demonstration is sponsored by the Department of Defense, and co-sponsored by the Department of Energy, the Technical Support Working Group, and the National Institute of Justice. It features displays and demonstrations of equipment designed to meet force protection needs. FPED VI was held for the first time in Stafford in August 2007. More than 8,300 individuals attended, including personnel from the Department of Defense, federal departments and agencies, state and local law enforcement, other first responders, corrections agencies and foreign visitors.

“FPED helped to promote Stafford County to the Defense Department and various businesses,” said Board of Supervisors member Joe Brito, who represents the Hartwood District, which includes the airport. “It also made a significant impact on our local economy, resulting in millions of dollars being spent at local businesses.” 

Nearly 600 vendors brought 3,100 security equipment items to display at the 2007 demonstration. Exhibitors and visitors were projected to have spent close to $3 million dollars at local hotels, restaurants and stores.

FPED VII is scheduled to take place May 19-21, 2009 at the Stafford Regional Airport, which is located at 75 Aviation Way in central Stafford.

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